Student Testimonials
Student Success Stories
Have a great story to tell? We'd love to hear from you!
Congratulations!
Ko Hung Andy Cheng Kaleb Joseph
Morgan Xuan T. “Kate” Ngo
Outstanding Junior 2021 Outstanding Senior 2021 Outstanding Graduate MAcc 2021
"Majoring in Accounting at WKU is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! The faculty
and staff in the Accounting department, and in all of GFCB, truly care about you and
your experience. I’ve learned so much and know I am prepared to succeed because of
my time here. All of the lessons, memories, and friendships I’ve made through Accounting
will stay with me forever."
- Sarah Pemberton (Accounting JUMP graduate – B.S. in Accounting and Master of Accountancy 2020)
"I chose Accounting because I wanted job opportunities after college and I enjoy working with numbers. I soon found out in my classes that it’s not all about numbers. I enjoyed my classes so I decided to stick with it. I am very thankful I did.
Coming into college, I wanted to do four years in and out. I did not want to go any longer. I soon found out that you needed 150 hours to sit for the CPA exam. I was not going to be able to do that in four years. Whenever I learned about the JUMP program, I could get the extra 30 hours I needed as well as a Master’s degree. So, I decided to pursue that opportunity. I now will be graduating in five years with two degrees, both my Bachelor’s and Master’s as well as the full 150 hours I need for my CPA exam.
Throughout my time in college, I spend my time involved in organizations especially Beta Alpha Psi. Through Beta Alpha Psi, I’ve been able to land two internships in college and a full-time job opportunity after college. The main reason I wanted to get a couple of internships was to be sure that Accounting was what I wanted to do outside of these classes. It is important to know that real-world accounting is different than what you do in your classes. So, through those internships, I found out that I really do enjoy accounting and taxes the career path I want to pursue. I know taxes isn’t necessarily one of the “fun things” you associate with accounting but I do enjoy it. I’m currently studying for the CPA exam and actually just passed my first part. I plan to take the other three parts after graduation. Hopefully, before I start my full-time job I can get all of those knocked out. I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve be able to have through the Gordon Ford College of Business, JUMP program and my internships. I think that they all have prepared me for my future and set me up well."
- Christina Montgomery (Accounting JUMP graduate – B.S. in Accounting and Master of Accountancy 2021)
"The WKU Accounting Program has shown me what it means to have an accounting degree.
I still remember coming into my freshman year not knowing what an accounting career
would be. Joining Beta Alpha Psi has helped me network with accounting professionals
and has given me the first step to explore different career paths for both public
and private accounting. I'd say that the WKU Accounting Program was challenging but
rewarding. The courses I took has definitely prepared myself well for my internships
as well as the CPA exam. The accounting professors were dedicated to not only the
lectures they taught but also the student success. Don't be afraid to reach out and
ask questions when you need help!"
- Kate Ngo (Accounting JUMP graduate – B.S. in Accounting & Finance and Master of Accountancy 2021)
"The WKU Accounting Program prepared me with the necessary technical and personal
skills needed to be successful in the career of public accounting. As early as sophomore
year, I was being exposed to the Big Four accounting firms through recommendations
from professors for their leadership programs. Throughout the years, I was able to
develop a crucial relationship with many professionals from local, regional, and national
accounting firms through Beta Alpha Psi and establishing a personal relationship with
the professors. As a result of the long-term networking, I was fortunate enough to
have several job offers to pick from before graduation. Furthermore, the course work
I received as an undergraduate and graduate student fully prepared me for passing
all four parts of the CPA exam within a 3 month span. I am happy to say that no new
information was thrown my way when studying for the exam. As one of the first graduates
of the PPA (Accounting JUMP program) and Masters in Accountancy Program, I highly
recommend taking this path. This program was very helpful with the CPA, as it reviews
many early undergraduate classes, and also provides a more in-depth analysis. Choosing
WKU for my education was not only a great decision, it was a blessing!"
- Morgan Johnson (Accounting JUMP graduate – B.S. in Accounting and Master of Accountancy
2013)
McGladrey LLP, Indianapolis
"As a WKU Accounting Alumni (2004 Graduate) – I have a HUGE regard and respect for
your program. Toughest 4 years of my life – but WKU's accounting program did so much
more than educate me – it truly prepared me for any career path I wanted to travel.
WKU educates and produces some of the most talented accountants I've had the liberty
work with."
- Shaunna R. Cornwell, CPA
Finance Director, City of Franklin
"The Accounting Program at WKU has allowed me to fulfill my dream of living and working
in New York City. The department provides exposure to local, regional, and international
CPA firms as well as companies within a variety of industries. This gives you face
time with real professionals in the accounting field. So, I was able to focus my job
search to firms that aligned with my career goals. The recruiting process can be very
demanding, but the faculty members are there with you every step of the way to encourage
and motivate you in your job search. I was fortunate enough to take on a leadership
role within our accounting organization Beta Alpha Psi. This allowed me to develop
a crucial faculty relationship with Mrs. Henson, who mentored me throughout the recruiting
process and in my role with BAP. The accounting program provided me not only the technical
skills, but also the soft skills to succeed in today's competitive job market. I encourage
you to take advantage of everything the accounting program at WKU has to offer and
make the smart choice for your future."
- Christopher Ryan, KPMG
"The WKU Accounting Program provided me with an extensive knowledge base that placed me ahead of the curve when I began working for Ernst & Young. The courses that I took fully prepared me for the challenges in my new role and allowed me to pass all 4 sections of the CPA exam on the first attempt. I am very happy that I chose WKU and could not have asked for a better college experience - Go Tops!"
- Shannon Smith, Assurance Services at Ernst & Young LLC
"Upon entering the WKU accounting program I initially sought a bachelors degree to advance my career in accounting. I have come away with so much more than a "piece of paper" and it is all thanks to the encouragement and support I found in every professor in the WKU Accounting Department. Education is the key to success and I'm so glad I chose WKU."
-Dee Daniels, Houchens Industries, Inc.
"An accounting degree from WKU provided me with a strong foundation to start my career. The challenging curriculum, supportive professors and staff, and participation in Beta Alpha Psi all helped me prepare to gain successful entry into the accounting profession and to pass the CPA exam. I can look back now and say that my time in the accounting program at WKU was a worthwhile investment."
-Zach Gentry, Crowe Horwath LLP
"The accounting program at WKU provided me with the knowledge base and skills needed
to succeed in my current role as a Staff Accountant at Tennessee Hospital Association,
Inc. (THA). The coursework, along with the help of the Accounting Department allowed
me to achieve my goals in a competitive job market upon graduation. Financial Accounting
courses at WKU can be a challenge, but knowledge gained from those challenges helped
me to persevere through daily job assignments here at THA. I can honestly say that
the professors are very helpful in the classroom and in the real world. I would highly
recommend the accounting program at WKU to anyone who is considering it in their future.
WKU!"
- Matt Kieser, Tennessee Hospital Association, Inc.
"The accounting program at WKU gave me the knowledge base needed to conquer not only
one, but two certifications in short order after graduations, the CPA and CMA. I
learned early on that the faculty absolutely love what they do and will do anything
they can to give you the edge needed to succeed in today's ever changing business
environment. Due to the tools I gained in the accounting program, I now have a level
of job security that few can claim and an unprecedented freedom to pursue my other
interests as I see fit. Hilltoppers Rock!"
- Jimmy Faverman, SVP Worldwide
"WKU is a great place to find your future. The educators have high standards; they
made me reach farther than I imagined possible. My advisor was amazing. She helped
me keep the faith on a few occasions when I felt like giving up. Many great people
have trod the "Hill". I count myself lucky to be among those who have had the privilege
of the climb. Because of the great accounting program offered there, I have a much
richer life. Many thanks to all who made that possible, especially the professors
and staff of the accounting department."
- Carolyn Hagan, Citizens Bank
The Gordon Ford College of Business is a top business school with dual AACSB accreditation
in both business and accounting programs.
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.